Holiday Inn & Port Vila Restaurant, Reviews

4 MINUTE READ

After fifteen years away, we returned to Port Vila in search of sunshine, warmth and a change from the New Zealand winter. A pleasant flight with Solomon Airlines brought us back to Vanuatu, where our transfer delivered us to the Holiday Inn, a familiar landmark that appeared remarkably unchanged since our last visit.
Although I had visited the hotel previously, this was my first stay. The initial impression was shaped by an unexpected notice in the foyer. On booking, I had imagined enjoying the picturesque lagoon, perhaps with a swim or a little time on the water. Instead, we discovered that the lagoon was closed to all water sports because of pollution. It was not quite the welcome we had anticipated.

Holiday Inn, Port Vila. The garden view from our room, not the lagoon view we had booked.

The accommodation did little to restore confidence. We had booked a lagoon-view room, but were allocated a ground-floor room that felt rather like entering a basement. The view was predominantly of the gardens, with only a small glimpse of water through the trees. The room itself was clean, comfortable enough and appeared to have been recently refurbished, but it was not what we had booked.

The larger problem was noise. The walls seemed remarkably thin, and throughout the night, and well into the early hours, we could hear conversations, doors slamming and children running and shouting. The pool area presented a similar challenge. With as many as twenty young children enjoying the water, it was not an easy place for adults seeking a quiet afternoon with a cocktail and a book.
The substantial kids’ club makes the hotel’s family focus clear. This is better understood as a family-oriented hotel than as a peaceful resort. Travellers looking for relaxation should consider that carefully before booking.
The staff, however, were excellent. Warm, friendly and consistently helpful, they provided the kind of genuine hospitality that can make a real difference when other aspects of a stay disappoint. Nothing seemed too much trouble, and service was delivered with a smile.

There are also several practical details worth considering. The shower is positioned over the bath, which is not unusual, but the side of the bath is approximately 600 millimetres high. Guests with limited mobility may find stepping in and out difficult. Although the hotel is three storeys high, there are no lifts.
It is also wise to check prices before ordering from room service. A bucket of ice and a 1.5-litre bottle of soda water arrived promptly, but the bottle, which would cost around NZ$1.50 at home, was charged at 1,500 Vatu, approximately NZ$22.24. That is a sizeable premium for something as ordinary as sparkling water.

Breakfast was a more positive experience. The buffet offered a broad selection of hot and cold dishes, along with an egg station. On our first evening, we attended the Melanesian Feast and Traditional Dance. The food provided a good introduction to local island dishes, while the performance itself was colourful and spectacular.
The à la carte meals we tried at the hotel were generally of average pub quality. That was not necessarily a problem after a long day, but Port Vila offers far more interesting dining experiences, and it would be a shame to remain within the hotel for every meal.

One restaurant that remains particularly memorable is L’Houstalet. I had enjoyed it many years earlier and was pleased to find that it continues under the same ownership, reportedly for more than fifty years. The restaurant combines Vanuatu and French influences, creating a menu that is both distinctive and confidently executed.
Our meal included escargot with garlic butter, lobster Mornay, coconut crab, fruit bat in a red wine sauce, pigeon and kidney in mushroom sauce. Each dish was impressive in its own way. The restaurant offers precisely the kind of character and sense of place that experienced travellers value, rather than simply reproducing familiar international dishes.

We also dined at Harbour View Chinese, which provided a very good meal of classic Chinese dishes. The food was well prepared, although it did not incorporate much in the way of local flavour.

Another enjoyable evening was spent at Iririki Island Resort, reached by a short boat ride across Port Vila harbour. The island buffet and fire dance show made for a lively night out, with a good range of food and an entertaining performance.

Port Vila offers plenty to occupy visitors beyond the dining table. There are several casinos, including the Palms Casino in the grounds of the Holiday Inn, although this appeared to cater more towards local gamblers than holidaymakers. For those seeking activity, options include zip-lining, jet boating, off-road buggy tours, island excursions and a wide range of water-based activities.

The Seasoned Traveller’s Verdict

Vanuatu remains an appealing destination, with welcoming people, memorable food and plenty of opportunities to explore. Port Vila is compact enough to be manageable, but varied enough to reward curiosity.
The main lesson is to research accommodation carefully. Do not rely solely on a resort’s photographs or the promise of a particular room category. Consider the hotel’s clientele, accessibility, noise levels, water conditions and additional charges before committing.

It may also be worth leaving a few days unplanned. Not every activity is listed online, and local advice can reveal options that are easily missed when an itinerary is arranged entirely in advance.

The Holiday Inn’s staff were a credit to the property, but the hotel was not the tranquil lagoon resort we had imagined. For families with young children, it may be a sensible choice. For couples seeking peace and quiet, a little more investigation would be advisable.